Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

EVs & Heat Pumps: The Real Alternatives for Germany — Ep199: Patrick Graichen

Mar 5, 2025

Germany's energy landscape faces significant shifts post-election, with the Green Party navigating new challenges. Insights reveal the struggle between advancing climate policies and economic pressures. Former minister Patrick Graichen discusses the controversial push for heat pumps and the future of EVs amid rising far-right politics. The balancing act between nuclear revival and energy independence takes center stage, while ambitions for a net-zero future clash with practical hurdles. This exploration navigates Germany's complex energy dynamics and the quest for sustainability.

01:04:51

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Quick takeaways

Germany's new coalition government aims to uphold ambitious renewable energy targets despite challenges in public perception and industry resistance to green technologies.

The shift to electric vehicles faces hurdles from the automotive sector, necessitating a balanced approach between subsidies and regulatory compliance for successful adaptation.

Deep dives

Germany's Commitment to Net Zero

Germany is legally committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045, with challenging intermediate targets set for 2030. Despite a significant reduction in emissions within the energy sector, further efforts are necessary in other areas such as building and transportation. The previous government's target of 80% renewable energy by 2030 is expected to be upheld by the new coalition government. Thus, while progress is visible in energy emissions, significant hurdles remain in meeting the overall climate goals.

Intro

3min

After the German Elections: The Greens' New Role

4min

Navigating Germany's Energy and Economic Landscape

18min

Rise of Far-Right Politics in Germany

7min

Navigating Germany's Energy Landscape

15min

Germany's Energy Future: The Dilemma of Hydrogen and Global Aid

2min

Germany's Net Zero Challenges

13min

Advancements in Renewable Energy and Policy Outlook in Germany

3min

In February, Germany elected a new government. Friedrich Merz emerged as the new leader, but what are his energy and climate policies, and will Germany remain a climate leader in Europe and beyond?

Joining Cleaning Up this week is Patrick Graichen, a former Energy and Climate minister in the last government, representing the Green Party. Prior to entering government, Patrick ran the think tank Agora Energiewende, working on energy from 2001 to 2012. With his deep expertise Patrick offers unique insights into the evolving political landscape and its potential impact on Germany, Europe, and beyond.

Patrick has witnessed how shifting public opinion can stall progress, and was responsible for a highly contested policy to phase out gas boilers and phase in heat pumps, which ultimately caused him to quit government. Bryony Worthington asks Patrick what he learned from that phase, and digs into the big questions surrounding the German car industry, nuclear power and the future of gas.

Leadership Circle

Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Division Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.

Links

Agora Energiewende: https://www.agora-energiewende.org
Patrick's Previous Appearance on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/MBCX7aZcRWI
Episode 154 with Kensa CEO, Tamsin Lishman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TpHa-uU6lc

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